Thank You!

Send Flowers

Memories & Candles

“I graduated from Austin High School in 1960--was a Pinkie and then a Red Dragon until graduating--I enjoyed theater and technical work connected with...Read More »
”
1 of 12 | Posted by: lynne castle - Lafayette, LA

“Mrs. Windrum's daughter, Jill, was one of my very best friends growing up. I spent countless hours at their house at drama lessons, sleepovers,...Read More »
”
2 of 12 | Posted by: Debbie Whalen - Dallas, TX

“I was lucky enough to be in one of Mrs. Windrum's last classes, graduating in 1993 from Pflugerville High School. She and Mr. Bill will always be...Read More »
”
3 of 12 | Posted by: Jeffery Maass - pflugerville, TX

“Miss Cole was responsible for many of my very best memories of Austin High School ! Because of her talent as the director of Red Dragons, I majored...Read More »
”
4 of 12 | Posted by: Ladonna Hammett - Albuquerque, NM

“I am the theatre director of the Red Dragon Players at Stephen F. Austin High School. I never had the pleasure of knowing -- or even meeting -- "Ms....Read More »
”
5 of 12 | Posted by: Billy Dragoo - austin, TX

“Those of us who worked with Miss Cole in the Red Dragon Players in the late 1950s and early '60s will always treasure those days and associated...Read More »
”
6 of 12 | Posted by: Bryan Reddick - Elmira, NY

“As a member of the Red Dragon Players at AHS I was a big fan of Miss Cole (as I knew her). She was an inspiration to me and had a lot to do with the...Read More »
”
7 of 12 | Posted by: Moxie Villarreal - Austin, TX

“I was a student at Austin High during Gloria's first two years there. I remember particularly her production of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ERNEST in...Read More »
”
8 of 12 | Posted by: John Sucke - Kamuela, HI

“Jill,
What a beautifully written memorial for your mother. I know I only know her through seeing the wonderful work she did in raising you. ...Read More »
”
9 of 12 | Posted by: Laura Wilson - Cedar Park, TX

“My husband John and I met while members of the Red Dragon Players at Austin High School. He was in the class of 1959 and was President of the...Read More »
”
10 of 12 | Posted by: Alice and John Davis - Austin, TX

“Brilliant and beautiful lady who, no doubt, took great pride in her gorgeous daughters, their husbands, and her talented and gifted grandchildren.
”
11 of 12 | Posted by: The David Swofford family - TX

“I have been in touch, for genealogy reasons, with Bill Windrum in the past, and have a fairly complete genealogy of your family, should you wish to...Read More »
”
12 of 12 | Posted by: Ralph Wyndrum Jr. - NJ

GloriaColeWindrum, retired educator of Austin, passed away on Friday, March 2, 2012. Born on December 13, 1926, in Temple Texas, Gloria grew up in Cameron, Texas, graduating from Yoe High School in 1943 as salutatorian of her class. She went to Lon Morris Junior College and to the University of Texas at Austin, graduating in 1947 with a Bachelors Degree in English and Speech Communication, followed by a Masters Degree in Education.

Gloria taught school in the Austin Independent School District at the middle and high school level. She especially enjoyed her years at Austin High School as the speech and drama teacher and director of the famed "Red Dragon" drama troupe.

In 1962 she was awarded an NDEA grant to study for her doctorate at Columbia University. Shortly before she was to leave for New York, she met and married the love of her life, Charles William "Bill" Windrum, preferring to stay in Austin and start a family. After taking time out to raise two daughters, Gloria retuned to teaching in 1982. She taught English, speech, drama and debate at Pflugerville High School. She was named PHS Teacher of the Year in 1991. She retired in 1993, and enjoyed scrapbooking, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren. An avid animal lover, Gloria enjoyed doting on her pets. She and Bill were longtime members of Asbury United Methodist Church. She was also a charter member of the Austin Assistance League.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Windrum. She is survived by two daughters and sons-in laws, Julie and Rick Costas, and Jill and Todd Thalmann, all of Austin. She leaves behind four grandchildren: Lauren and Dustin Thalmann, Bradley and Caroline Costas.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Arden Courts Alzheimer's Assisted Living Facility, where she spent her last two and a half years. We would also like to thank Heart to Heart Hospice, who took such good care of her in her last few months. Services will be held on Saturday, March 10, at 11:00 a.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church with burial at Capital Memorial Gardens to follow.

If you would like to add additional photos, videos or other content to this obituary, it will need to be upgraded to an Eternal Tribute with the funeral home's assistance. Please click the link below for the funeral home's contact information.

Memories & Candles

I graduated from Austin High School in 1960--was a Pinkie and then a Red Dragon until graduating--I enjoyed theater and technical work connected with it but never acted. I started out with Margaret Breedlove and ended with (then) Gloria Cole. Many years have passed, but I still can sing the Red Dragon song. Your relative (mother etc.) led a charmed (and charming), active, and giving life. I am sorry that she has died but will remember her fondly--and her

... more

I graduated from Austin High School in 1960--was a Pinkie and then a Red Dragon until graduating--I enjoyed theater and technical work connected with it but never acted. I started out with Margaret Breedlove and ended with (then) Gloria Cole. Many years have passed, but I still can sing the Red Dragon song. Your relative (mother etc.) led a charmed (and charming), active, and giving life. I am sorry that she has died but will remember her fondly--and her family will be remembered in my prayers. In contradiction to the Red Dragon song, she will not "Pass and be forgotten with the rest." We will remember her. Sorry to be so late sending this, but only learned about this today--from an email message.

Mrs. Windrum's daughter, Jill, was one of my very best friends growing up. I spent countless hours at their house at drama lessons, sleepovers, holidays, and parties. Mrs. Windrum was a dynamic, energetic, sweet and very unique person and I am grateful that she was part of my wonderful childhood memories. She always made me feel like part of the family.

Debbie (Lin) Whalen

Posted by: Debbie Whalen - Dallas, TX - Friend of Family Mar 19, 2012

I was lucky enough to be in one of Mrs. Windrum's last classes, graduating in 1993 from Pflugerville High School. She and Mr. Bill will always be special to me. She for her passionate teaching, he for his devotion to her. Especially now, I can't figure how she came up with all that energy! I remember, it seemed, every weekend taking us kids somewhere. We were so lucky to have her! Mr. Bill was there so often - watching over

... more

I was lucky enough to be in one of Mrs. Windrum's last classes, graduating in 1993 from Pflugerville High School. She and Mr. Bill will always be special to me. She for her passionate teaching, he for his devotion to her. Especially now, I can't figure how she came up with all that energy! I remember, it seemed, every weekend taking us kids somewhere. We were so lucky to have her! Mr. Bill was there so often - watching over her and through her, over all of us. It was like having a whole other family.

I'll never forget, one of our first classes. Introducing yourself. How to remember her name? "wind" and "rum". Windrum.

Posted by: Jeffery Maass - pflugerville, TX - student Mar 10, 2012

Miss Cole was responsible for many of my very best memories of Austin High School ! Because of her talent as the director of Red Dragons, I majored in drama at the University of Texas witha teaching certificate. She not only had great theatre production skills, but she passed on a love for theatre in her students. I kept in touch with her for a long time after graduating. She was an inspiration to me in many ways, not

... more

Miss Cole was responsible for many of my very best memories of Austin High School ! Because of her talent as the director of Red Dragons, I majored in drama at the University of Texas witha teaching certificate. She not only had great theatre production skills, but she passed on a love for theatre in her students. I kept in touch with her for a long time after graduating. She was an inspiration to me in many ways, not only as an outstanding teacher and director, but as a person with impeccable integrity and high values. There are few that havemade such a positive impact on my life.

I am the theatre director of the Red Dragon Players at Stephen F. Austin High School. I never had the pleasure of knowing -- or even meeting -- "Ms. Cole", but I want her family to know that the Red Dragon family is grateful for her dedication and fine work. I often remind my students that they stand on the shoulders of the giants who've gone before them. Our tradition of excellence belongs to everyone -- ESPECIALLY those who helped create it!

Those of us who worked with Miss Cole in the Red Dragon Players in the late 1950s and early '60s will always treasure those days and associated memories. Along with her enthusiasm, good role-modeling, and friendship, Miss Cole should also be remembered as an imaginative, original, and talented director. Her costumes, make-up, and sets were special and just as inspirational as her gentle but firm training and coaching of student crew and cast members. Thanks, Miss Cole.

Posted by: Bryan Reddick - Elmira, NY - student thespian Mar 07, 2012

As a member of the Red Dragon Players at AHS I was a big fan of Miss Cole (as I knew her). She was an inspiration to me and had a lot to do with the fact that I went on to major in drama at UT. My sympathies to her family.

I was a student at Austin High during Gloria's first two years there. I remember particularly her production of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ERNEST in which i performed. Her encouragement set me on a path of actors and acting for the rest of my life. God bless her.

Posted by: John Sucke - Kamuela, HI - Student, Friend Mar 07, 2012

Jill,

What a beautifully written memorial for your mother. I know I only know her through seeing the wonderful work she did in raising you. However, I can certainly see that she was such a rock and foundation for her family. I'm so sorry for your loss, but am happy that you'll see her again one day. She's probably dancing a jig just now. :)
Love you much,
Laura

My husband John and I met while members of the Red Dragon Players at Austin High School. He was in the class of 1959 and was President of the organization. I was the Secretary and in the class of 1960. Both of us were extremely active in theater and Gloria was our young, dynamic director. All of us were so fond of her. After graduation, we visited AHS to see her occasionally and I later saw her at a variety

... more

My husband John and I met while members of the Red Dragon Players at Austin High School. He was in the class of 1959 and was President of the organization. I was the Secretary and in the class of 1960. Both of us were extremely active in theater and Gloria was our young, dynamic director. All of us were so fond of her. After graduation, we visited AHS to see her occasionally and I later saw her at a variety of community events. I remember when she married and the birth of her first child. She was a wonderful teacher and theater director and absolutely adored her family. We were privileged to have her in our lives.
We send our sincere condolences.
Alice Marshall Davis

At Tributes.com we believe that Every Life has a Story that deserves to be told and preserved.

Tributes.com is the online source for current local and national obituary news and a supportive community where friends and family can come together during times of loss and grieving to honor the memories of their loved ones with lasting personal tributes.